Frequently Asked Questions

Biomedical Research Training Program for Nationals

• How can I join this program?

  Applications will be made available online. Please visit our the program’s webpage

• When can I apply for this program?

  Applications will be available online. When applications are closed, you may register to be notified when they become available. Please visit the program’s webpage

• Can you please look at my resume and tell me if I’m eligible to apply for this program?

  Please visit the program’s webpage to see the requirements. If you still have questions regarding any of the requirements, please email us at: brtp@qatar-med.cornell.edu. 

• What are the working hours for the internship?

  Participants are required to work a minimum of 8 hours, including a 1 hour break. Official working hours are 7.30am to 3.30pm;However, hours may differ (start earlier, or later) depending on the intern’s Primary Investigator (PI)/mentor.

• Can I apply if I’m already employed?

  Yes. However, as it is a full-time training program commitment for 10 months, it is necessary your employer approves a leave of absence before we proceed with the training offer. If you are accepted into the training program, we will provide you with a letter of support and we require a letter of approval form your current employer.

• My major wasn’t in a science related field. Can I still apply for the program?

  Yes. We accept, and welcome, students from various fields. Past students have studied Biomedical Science, Biology, Physiology, Engineering, Nutrition, Statistics, Communication, Islamic Studies, etc. However, we consider it essential for applicants to have an interest in learning about conducting and/or managing Biomedical Research.

• I graduate in January and would like to start the program in February. Is that possible?

  Unfortunately, the program is offered on specific dates every year; However, you may look into volunteering opportunities at our research labs. If you are interested in research done by any of our faculty, you can contact them directly for opportunities during your desired dates. Please view a full list of the active labs at WCM-Q

• I studied science in university. What can I learn from this program that I haven’t already learned from my courses?

  Our program provides hands-on training to master practical work skills needed for university graduates entering the job market. Many techniques learned throughout the internship in fact take months to master, even with a college degree.

• Are interns required to complete a project?

  The nature of projects differs from one lab to another. Interns do not always complete a project from start to finish. An intern could start a new project, which they are unable to complete during the course of their internship. Many interns remain with us after the training course ends, as a volunteer, in order to finish a project.

• Can I choose which lab I’ll intern in?

  If accepted, we will ask you what your interests are (Basic Research, Clinical Core, Research Administration, etc.) We will take your interests into consideration and contact PIs/mentors to try to get you in that field. Unfortunately, labs are sometimes unavailable so we cannot make any guarantees. However, we will try to find the most suitable place for you.

• Is the program entirely work based? For example, if I’m interested in Basic Research, will I spend all my time in the lab?

  While most of your time (approximately 70%) will be hands-on, we also incorporate various courses into the first four months of the program. You will take classes in Writing and Communication for Research Scientists, as well as basic training modules in Grants Management, Lab Management, Research Compliance, etc. We believe this is the best way to get interns familiar with how all of research works, not just their specific field. You will also be required to complete all assignments for each class and training module in order to graduate.

• I know what I would like to research. Will this program provide the opportunity for me to pursue my own research project?

  The nature of projects differs from one lab to another. PIs lead research projects, and assign projects (to students, staff, postdocs and trainees). It is not possible for the PI to supervise a trainee’s project in addition to their own projects. For those who wish to pursue the path of becoming a PI, this internship can prove invaluable as it gives an idea of what the job entails, including managing a lab and a research project.

• Is it a Paid Internship?

  The internship offers a monthly stipend for the accepted trainees

• Will I get hired after the training?

  The training program doesn’t guarantee a position at WCM-Q as you will still need to monitor the career positions available online and apply for vacancies.

• How can I apply for a job in WCM-Q?

  Please monitor our website at: http://qatar-weill.cornell.edu/human-resources/career-opportunities

• I am a college student and interested in the biomedical research field. Can I apply to this program while I study in college?

  This program is a full-time commitment approximately from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. It also requires a minimum of bachelor’s degree to be eligible to apply. However, we have 2 programs for College students who want to do some research over summer which are the Research Internship for National College Students and the Young Scientist Journey to Research - College Training